Public Statements

Press Release

Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07) today voted in favor of efforts to allow a congressional resolution that would have required a straight up-or-down vote on the controversial Senate health care bill. The effort failed by a vote of 203-222.

"Despite deep reservations of a majority of Americans, Democratic House leaders are content to ram through their 2,700 page, nearly $1 trillion proposal by using a parliamentary maneuver that is both politically treacherous and potentially unconstitutional," Lance said.

The House of Representatives today voted against blocking use of the so-called "Slaughter Solution." The Slaughter Solution is a procedural tactic also known as "deem and pass" that would dictate that the Senate version of the health care bill is automatically passed through the chamber once the House passes a separate, different corrections bill making changes to it. It is in reference to House Rules Chair Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY).

Lance has stated his strong opposition to the Slaughter Solution because it violates Article 1, Section 7 of the U.S. Constitution that clearly states a bill must pass both the House and Senate to become law.

"It is imperative that Congress adhere to our Constitution's requirement of democratic accountability and allow a straight up-or-down vote on the majority party's health care proposal that is opposed by the American people," Lance concluded.